18" Buddhist Deity Vajrasattva Copper Statue from Nepal | Nepalese Metal Idols

•

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

18" Buddhist Deity Vajrasattva Copper Statue from Nepal | Nepalese Metal Idols

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

$1266

$1688

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Vajrasattva's name carries the profound essence of "Diamond Being" or "Thunderbolt Being." As a tantric archetype deity.

Vajrasattva's influence extends through hymns and verses, often invoked in the unique yoga of repentance that employs his renowned hundred-syllable mantra. He is visually captured in a dhyanasana, his serene posture, clutching a vajra close to his heart in his right hand and a bell in his left, which gracefully rests on his left thigh.

These symbols—the vajra and the bell—convey compassion and wisdom, the balance of masculine and feminine, the union of magic body and clear light, with interpretations varying by context. His crown glistens with resplendent blue and red jewels, adding a regal touch to his presence.

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	CAA165
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 18.5 inch
	Width: 14 inch
	Depth: 9.5 inch
	Weight 8.60 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Primordial Buddha: A Manifestation of Purity and Enlightenment

This exquisite statue depicts Vajrasattva, a central figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, revered as the primordial Buddha, the embodiment of enlightenment, and the lord of all the Tantras. In Buddhist cosmology, Vajrasattva is often considered the source from which all other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas arise. He represents the ultimate purity and the essential nature of the awakened mind, from which all sentient beings can achieve liberation. His name itself, "Vajra" meaning diamond or thunderbolt, and "Sattva" meaning being or essence, signifies his indestructible and luminous nature, capable of cutting through all obscurations and ignorance.

A Symbol of Purification and the Vajrayana Path

The practice associated with Vajrasattva is central to the Vajrayana path, particularly the preliminary practices (ngöndro). His mantra, "Om Vajrasattva Hum," is considered one of the most powerful in Buddhism, capable of purifying negative karma, broken vows, and defilements that obstruct spiritual progress. It is believed that by reciting this mantra with sincere devotion and understanding, practitioners can purify their minds and bodies, clearing the path towards enlightenment. Vajrasattva is also known as the Buddha of purification and is seen as the divine embodiment of the aspiration to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings.

Artistry from the Himalayan Masters

Crafted by skilled artisans in Nepal, this statue is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of the region. The use of copper, meticulously worked and adorned with gold, creates a striking contrast that highlights the divine form. The deity's serene expression, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile, conveys profound peace and wisdom. His regal adornments, including a jeweled crown and ornate necklaces, signify his sovereign status as the lord of the spiritual realm. The turquoise and coral inlays add vibrant pops of color, symbolizing auspiciousness and the preciousness of the teachings. The intricate detailing on his robes and the elaborate lotus pedestal upon which he sits speak to the deep reverence and devotion invested in its creation. This statue is more than just an object of art; it is a sacred vessel, imbued with the spiritual power and philosophical depth of Buddhist teachings.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.

At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.

The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.

The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.